Bad Gear - The Gold Standard

video upload by AudioPilz

"Welcome to Bad Gear, the show about the world’s most-hated audio tools. Senior synth citizens like me might get the impression that the technical evolution is going backwards: the mass market returned to the dark ages of analog, there’s an obvious disconnect between traditional manufacturers and their customers and sampling hardware is slowly reapproaching the tech specs of 1991.

Today we are going to talk about the Korg EMX-1. This 2003 Electribe is considered to be the gold standard for groovebox design by many - and a gimmicky hotchpotch of cheap-sounding late dance sounds for more or less everyone else.

Chapters:
00:00 Intro tune
01:00 Overview Electribe EMX1
01:31 Korg Electribe EMX-1 vs. Korg Electribe ESX-1
01:49 The Synth Engines
02:31 Sample Playback
02:50 Filter Section
03:08 Modulators and their Limitations
03:23 FX Section
03:31 Drum Parts
03:50 Workflow ( Arpeggiator , Sequencer )
04:23 Additional Features, External Input
04:52 Tubes / Valves / Toooooooooooooobs
05:20 What else??? (Pricing, Thanks,...)
05:38 Hate Screen
06:01 Jam 1 ( House )
06:59 Jam 2 ( Drum'n'Bass )
08:07 Finale ( Electro )
08:37 Verdict"

ALM MFX Dynamics Plugins

MFX Dynamics Plugins - TY-50 Dynamics

video upload by ALM TV

"‘MFX Dynamics’ is a pair of plugins, a unique compressor expander and a feature rich auto-panner, ported from our popular multi effect MFX module and pedal as plugins for use in your favourite DAW.

In this video we take a look at the 'TY-50 Dynamics', an extensive dynamics plugin that can act as a compressor, expander or transient shaper. It also features an automatic gain compensator, side-chain input and tilt filter. Here we process a break through compressor mode, expander mode, then both modes together to explore how transients and hits can be emphasised and shaped. We also explore the sidechain functionality and the transient shaper mode. For a demo of the Modulating Panner, please see our overview linked below.

Both plugins use enhanced DSP code from the MFX hardware with a clean, simple and expanded user interface.

‘MFX Dynamics’ is available for purchase now for macOS and Windows. Purchase to get emailed a unique download link."

MFX Dynamics Plugins - Modulating Panner

video upload by ALM TV

"In this video we take a look at the the ’Modulating Panner’, a free-running or synced stereo panner plugin with 3 modes. The modulation shape can be edited with the interactive graph. Here we process the Motto Akemie through the panner and explore its various settings, wave shapes and modes. We recommend listening on headphones for the clearest distinction between modes. For a demo of the TY-50 Dynamics plugin, please see our overview linked below."

What Is Originality Made Of?

video upload by Synthux Academy

TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Introduction
01:28 Picasso & T.S Eliot
02:45 Steve Reich & Tape Phasing
03:15 Hainbach Tape Phasing
04:59 Phasing using 4MS DLD Module
08:23 Sound on Sound on 4MS DLD Module
14:46 Conclusions

Korg reaches back to 1973 with its reissued MiniKorg 700Sm at NAMM 2025

video upload by MusicRadar Tech

"Korg has a habit of releasing its analogue synth reboots in both ‘full’ and ‘mini’ sizes, so we probably shouldn’t have been too surprised to learn that a smaller version of 2021’s MiniKorg 700FS - itself an enhanced emulation of 1974’s MiniKorg 700S - is on the way. The MiniKorg 700Sm is not one we had on our NAMM 2025 bingo card, though, so surprised – to a certain extent at least – we are. We caught up with Korg at NAMM 2025 to hear it in action."

"An all-in-one gig rig": Roland introduces the V-Stage at NAMM 2025

video upload by MusicRadar Tech

"Roland has released plenty of stage pianos in the past, but the new V-Stage looks like something a little different. Indeed, it feels like Roland is parking its considerable tanks directly on Nord’s lawn with this one, right down to those red wooden end cheeks. We hit the Roland stand at the 2025 NAMM show to hear it in action."

NAMM 2025: Realitone's Sunset Choir Choir Library

video upload by sonicstate

"At NAMM 2025, we caught up with Mike from Realitone*, who provided insights into their ongoing project, the *Sunset Choir library. Mike explained that this vocal library had been in development for a while, mainly due to the complex nature of recording different vocal articulations compared to string libraries. Unlike the simpler approach for strings, recording vowels like ah and ooh required more extensive sampling. Realitone dedicated nine days of intense studio work to capture this comprehensive array of sounds.

Mike demonstrated the dual-layer feature, allowing dynamic articulation blending, and showcased unique elements like enigmatic Latin phrases and slow bends. Additionally, the library supports consonant variations, legato transitions, and jazzy scat articulations. Though a work-in-progress, Mike expressed optimism about completing the library by spring, offering a glimpse into the intricacies of building such an elaborate musical tool."

NAMM 2025: Rhodes Stage 61 Prototype

video upload by sonicstate

"At NAMM 2025 we caught up with Jamie at Rhodes*, who introduced the *Stage 61 prototype. Aimed at the purists, this instrument returned to basics with features reminiscent of original designs from the '60s to the early '80s. It had familiar components like tines, tone bars, and pickups for capturing the natural Rhodes sound. The instrument sported a Mark V look, complete with a basic treble and bass tone knob.

Notably, the Stage 61 lacked additional effects like tremolo or EQ, allowing you to use your preferred amplification setup, such as a Fender Twin Reverb or Roland JC Chorus. The build featured a small form factor, making it lightweight for easy gigging. Jamie highlighted that the keybed was a Steinway Concert Grand design with 61 notes, made by Kluge.

The Stage 61 was available for pre-order with a lead time of six to nine months, priced at $6,995. Additional developments could include a passive MIDI version."

NAMM 2025: Novation and GForce Revive the Legendary Bass Station

video upload by sonicstate

"At NAMM 2025, we spoke with Trovarsi from Novation about their collaboration with GForce*, bringing a fresh spin to the classic Bass Station, originally released in 1993. Novation showcased the new *Bass Station emulation, a software synthesis complete with a sequencer that delivers those iconic acid sounds using its 24dB filter. It offers 300 presets, including a standout polyphonic mode with 16 voices. Also available was the LaunchKey Mark 4, notable for its user-friendly scale modes and its new capability to map chord inversions directly. The Bass Station, priced at $99, is currently discounted, but if you own compatible Novation hardware, the virtual instrument can be downloaded for free."

NAMM 2025: Kilohearts Filter Table

video upload by sonicstate

"We caught up with Per from Kilohearts at NAMM 2025, who gave us an in-depth look at the latest additions to the Phase Plant synthesizer. This year, they introduced the Filter Table--a module that transforms wavetables into filters. By placing it in the effects section, you could use the spectrum of a wavetable as a filter shape, imparting unique qualities to your sounds. The module allowed real-time modulation of parameters such as cutoff and resonance via LFOs or other modulation sources, creating complex filters. It was particularly effective for growly bass sounds with movement across the spectrum.

Per explained that the module was a standalone product priced at $39, compatible within the Phase Plant ecosystem, and available for standalone use in a DAW. They also offered a subscription model for automatic updates, keeping pace with evolving music production needs."

NAMM 2025: Eternal Research's Demon Box

video upload by sonicstate

"At NAMM 2025, we caught up with Alexandra from Eternal Research, who introduced the *Demon Box*, an intriguing device that amplifies electromagnetic fields (EMF). Alexandra explained that this invention, developed over a decade with the help of engineers, uncovers fascinating patterns and tones from EMFs, transforming interference into auditory experiences. The device utilizes an array of 33 inductors and features controls for levels and auxiliary inputs, allowing you to blend external signals with those picked up by the inductors. It supports integration with modular systems, exporting in control voltage, MIDI, note and CV data, as well as audio across three mono channels and a unique triphonic channel.

Alexandra also highlighted the device's organic nature, enabling exploration of novel sounds with each use. The Demon Box, currently available for pre-order, has generated significant interest following a successful Kickstarter campaign, with a target retail price of approximately $700."